Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma

The Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma (1962-1988) was a socialist republic located in the Southeast Asian country of Burma, with its capital at Yangon (Rangoon). It replaced the Union of Burma and preceded the State Peace and Development Council, overthrown in the 8888 Revolution.

History
The Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma was formed in 1962 when Ne Win overthrew the Burmese president U Nu and in April 1962 a blueprint for socialist economic development was laid out. The "Burmese Way to Socialism" was xenophobic and superstitious, and Burma's extremely-rich economy became one of the poorest on Earth. Foreign influence decreased and the Tatmadaw military gained more power in the country, turning Burma towards a dictatorship rather than a democracy. Burma faced several rebel organizations such as the Karen National Union, Mujahideen (Muslim fighters), the Burma Communist Party, National Democratic Alliance Army, Wa National Army, Kachin Independence Army, Pa-O National Organization, Mong Tai Army, and the All Burma Student's Democratic Front. Burma's repressive government was overthrown on 8 August 1988 in the 8888 Revolution, resulting in 10,000 deaths and the collapse of the socialist republic. The State Peace and Development Council replaced the socialist republic, but Than Shwe created a military dictatorship instead of a socialist one. Not only was Burma still poor, but the Burmese Tatmadaw burnt down many villages and massacred the inhabitants.

Culture
The Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma had a population of 35,442,972 people in 1983, near the end of its existence. The people's economic ideals were socialist and their government form was a republic; the majority of the people were Buddhist and there were several monks that wandered the country, but as it was a socialist government, religion was suppressed and state atheism was declared.